Vehicle Charging Coordination for Stranded EV Power Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face challenges in quickly replenishing their battery charge, leading to 'range anxiety' for drivers concerned about reaching a charging station before running out of power.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that utilizes a network of electric vehicles to detect stranded vehicles, identify nearby vehicles with sufficient power, and facilitate power transfers to ensure the stranded vehicle can reach a charging station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric vehicles rely on fixed charging stations, then charging infrastructure must be extensively built, but this increases device complexity and loss of time for drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging function into mobile vehicles themselves. Stranded electric vehicles receive power from nearby vehicles equipped with power sources, transforming other vehicles into mobile charging stations. This eliminates the need for extensive fixed charging infrastructure while ensuring charging availability wherever vehicles are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables vehicles to serve each other's charging needs autonomously. Vehicles with available power automatically identify and assist stranded vehicles through the network, without requiring external charging infrastructure. The stranded vehicle receives power from another vehicle that passes by, creating a self-sustaining charging ecosystem.
2Reliability
If electric vehicles wait for charging stations, then charging reliability improves, but this increases loss of time and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
Vehicles prepare for potential charging needs by carrying excess power capacity and being ready to assist others. The system pre-positions power sources in mobile vehicles that can immediately assist stranded vehicles without requiring the stranded vehicle to wait for fixed charging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication network as an intermediary that coordinates power transfer between vehicles. This network enables stranded vehicles to quickly locate and receive power from nearby vehicles with available power sources, significantly reducing the time lost compared to waiting for fixed charging stations.
3Length of moving object
If electric vehicles carry larger batteries, then range increases, but this increases weight and use of energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes vehicles multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as power consumers and power sources. Vehicles maintain their normal operating battery capacity while also being capable of assisting other vehicles, eliminating the need for each vehicle to carry excessive battery capacity for extended range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables vehicles to replenish their own effective range by assisting other vehicles. When a vehicle provides power to a stranded vehicle, it receives compensation in the form of priority access to power from other vehicles, creating a reciprocal system that maintains individual vehicle range without requiring larger batteries.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-implemented methods and computer systems are disclosed herein as implemented by a controller operatively coupled to a network of electric vehicles. The methods and systems include the controller (i) receiving a notification that an electric vehicle is stranded without sufficient power to operate; (ii) receiving information regarding the stranded electric vehicle; (iii) detecting one or more other electric vehicles in a vicinity of the stranded electric vehicle; (iv) receiving information regarding the detected one or more other electric vehicles; and/or (v) determining, based upon the received information, which of the detected one or more other electric vehicles to send a power source request. Alternatively, the notification may indicate that an electric vehicle has a low state of charge (SOC), or is otherwise has a battery in need of being recharged to facilitate the electric vehicle traveling to a destination.